Finding New Uses for Allergan's Big Product Is R&D Priority, Even for Valeant

J. Michael Pearson, chief executive of Valeant Pharmaceuticals International Inc., says he would slash Allergan Inc.'s research spending if his hostile takeover bid for the company is successful. But Mr. Pearson seems fond of at least one of Allergan's R&D priorities: its attempts to keep expanding Botox into new uses.

Allergan's Botox became a globally recognized brand through its use as a wrinkle-erasing treatment for Hollywood stars. But 54% of the muscle-paralyzing drug's sales come from other uses,...